Book Review: Still Life, Book 2 of Chesapeake Valor by Dani Pettrey + Giveaway

Title:  Still Life

Series: Chesapeake Valor, Book 2

Author: Dani Pettrey

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date:  January 31, 2016

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction / Suspense 

Someone Is Out There. Watching Her. Waiting. 

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime-scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime-scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit for which her friend modeled. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found, and so Avery immediately calls Parker for help.

As Avery, Parker, and their friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

Still Life by Dani Pettrey is chilling suspense to the core. It's not gruesome, but definitely suspenseful! I'll get it right out. I had goosebumps on several scenes, and they're the good kind where you're so "immerse in a story" kind. Not only for the story of the mystery of the photo or the missing friend, but also for the different characters in Still Life.  

Parker and Avery are the couple to follow. When the heart aches and separation doesn't seem to heal it, it's surprising how we can relate to the emotions of the characters so well. I was drawn into their background and their connection from the get go. From Avery's personal strength and courage to leave the life she had once to who she is today, we see grace in play. How do you move beyond that life? When we learn more about what's keeping Parker and Avery from being more than colleagues, we realize the past is not yet the past. 

"Your past is...in your past...it's what made you who you are." (82)

A story with developed characters and of strong characters,  not only for our featured couple, but also Declan and Tanner who's chemistry is sizzling in this story! Can't wait to read more in the next one!

We have characters that jumps out of the page, and then when we're wondering about an aspect of the case on hand, several twists presents another case.  The suspense of the author's writing intrigues this group of friends and colleagues that tries to solve not one but case on hand, while figuring out their hearts in the process. 

"Because I don't make sense without you..." (145)

Trust me when I say there's no stopping for air or a snack break when you pick up Still Life. You'll want to finish the story, find out what happens between Parker and Avery, currently as well as in the past, and find out the mystery behind all the cases. Then you stop and look up when will Book 3 come out. Don't miss this one!

Finally, let me say that I've read an ARC of this book, which is basically a proof copy. I'm not suppose to quote any passages in this book. There were a few more passages I wanted to share, but that would probably not be the best idea. So if there are errors in the words or the pages, please forgive me. 

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

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Dani Pettrey is a wife, mom, grandma, and the author of Cold Shot, the first book in the Chesapeake Valor series, and the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered,Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award nomination, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others.

She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves—the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson.

TO CONNECT WITH DANI:  website,  facebook,  twitter

Don't forget to check out my interview with Dani and enter the giveaway later today!! 

Leave a comment now for one of the entries!

                                                                                                                                                                                               

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